Do you cut a lot of fabric? If you do, you know how tedious it can be. It can be hard to cut the straight lines and using scissors can hurt your hands. If you are tired of wasting your time using scissors, you will benefit from a rotary cutter.
What is a Rotary Cutter?
A rotary cutter is a handy tool used in sewing. Instead of having a long, flat blade like scissors, it has a round blade. The blade is attached to a handle that is easy to grip and maneuver. A rotary fabric cutter is comparable to a pizza cutter.
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Rotary Cutters
Best Overall
OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter w/ Blade Cover & Squeeze Trigger
The OLFA 45 mm Cutter is simple to use. It has an easy squeeze handle and anti-slip rubber grips. The dual-action safety lock allows you to lock the blade in either the opened or closed position.
Premium Choice
Martelli Rotary Cutters
If you experience hand pain and fatigue, the Martelli Cutter was made for you. It has an ergonomic grip that is similar to a computer mouse. Holding the cutter in a natural position allows you to apply even pressure using your arm and hand.
Great Value
Mr. Pen Rotary Cutter for Fabric
The Mr. Pen Rotary Fabric Cutter is affordable and terrific for your everyday needs. The 45 mm rotary fabric cutter has an ergonomic handle that is comfortable for both right-handed and left-handed crafters.
Benefits of Using a Rotary Cutter
If you do a lot of sewing, you will love a rotary cutter. Below are just a few benefits of using a rotary fabric cutter.
- Easy to use
- More accurate cuts
- Saves time
- You can cut through multiple layers at once
- Curves are easy to cut
Using a Rotary Cutter
When using a rotary cutter, you will need to place a cutting mat under the fabric. The mat will protect your work surface. You will want to place the mat on a hard surface such as a tabletop. You do not want to place it on a soft surface with give such as carpet.
Soft surfaces require extra pressure that can lead to miscut fabric. If possible, you will want to stand up when cutting the fabric. This way, you can apply a more even pressure. You will also be able to get straighter cuts.
How to Choose the Best Rotary Cutter
When looking for the best rotary cutter, take into consideration:
- Size of the Blade
Smaller blades are designed to create detailed cuts. They are also good for cutting curves. They are not intended to be used for cutting multiple layers of fabric. The larger the blade gets, the less detail you will be able to cut. However, you will be able to cut through multiple layers of thick fabric.
- Speciality Blades
Can you use speciality blades with the rotary cutter? Some cutters are compatible with decorative blades.
- What Material is the Blade Made from?
Look for a heavy duty blade that will not rust. Most blades are made from stainless steel. However, there are some cheap blades on the market that can rust and will dull quickly. Look for either a stainless steel blade or a titanium-coated blade.
- Ease of Use
Look for a rotary fabric cutter that is easy and safe to use. Most cutters use either a button or a squeeze grip to move the cutting blade into place. Squeeze grip cutters are often more ergonomically designed.
10 Best Rotary Cutters for 2024
1. Mr. Pen Rotary Cutter for Fabric
The Mr. Pen company designs affordable tools for everyday needs. The 45 mm rotary fabric cutter is lightweight and easy to control with the ergonomic handle. And it can be used by both right-handed and left-handed crafters.
You do not have to worry about safety when this cutter is stored away. The Mr. Pen cutter has a safety feature that retracts the blade and locks it into position. It uses high-grade, precision ground stainless steel blades that can cut up to 4 layers of fabric at one time.
2. OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter w/ Blade Cover & Squeeze Trigger
The OLFA 45 mm Cutter has an easy squeeze handle that helps reduce hand fatigue. It also has anti-slip rubber grips that aid in preventing finger slippage. The dual-action safety lock allows you to lock the blade in either the opened or closed position.
Included with the cutter is a pre-loaded blade made from high-quality tungsten tool steel. The blade was designed to provide unparalleled sharpness and superior edge retention. The cutter also works with the OLFA Pinking Blade, Scallop/Peak Balde, and Wave Blade.
3. XINART 45mm Rotary Cutter for Fabric Safety Lock
The XINART 45 mm Cutter is a budget friendly tool ideal for anyone on a strict budget. Even though the cutter is cheap, it does not sacrifice quality. It was ergonomically designed to reduce joint fatigue. It also has a safety button to lock the blade.
Not only is the XINART cutter easy to use, but the blades are also super sharp. They are made from high-grade SKS-7 stainless steel that provides clean cuts. Included with the cutter are 2 extra replacement blades that are easy to change.
4. Fiskars Rotary Cutter 01-005874 Titanium Soft Grip Comfort Loop Handle, 45mm
Fiskars never ceases to impress. And this cutter is no different. It is a high quality tool that is affordable. The Fiskars rotary cutter is a favourite among sewers and crafters. It is easy to use and has a deep cutting depth.
The blades used in the Fiskars rotary cutter are titanium coated and super sharp. The blade can be placed on either side of the handle, so the cutter can be used by both left-handed and right-handed crafters. Since this cutter has a loop handle, it is not suited for anyone with big hands.
5. Martelli Rotary Cutters
Do you experience hand pain and fatigue when using regular cutters? If so, this ergonomic cutter was designed for you. The ErgoCutter was developed with the help of occupational therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and other professionals.
With the Martelli Cutter, you can cut perfect lines and angles. The blade is made from tungsten steel which should last 3-5 times longer than standard rotary blades.
6. OLFA 28mm Rotary Cutter
If you work on small scale projects with tight corners, the OLFA 28 mmCutter is for you. It is easy to maneuver and works great for miniatures and tight corners.
The cutter can be used by right-handed and left-handed users. It features a Quick-Blade change and a durable, contoured handle. The blade is made of tungsten carbide tool steel.
7. Omnigrid 45mm Pressure Sensitive Safety Rotary Cutter
The Omnigrid 45 mm cutter has a heavy-duty setting for cutting heavyweight fabrics. It can also be used to cut paper, vinyl, leather, foam core, and mat board. The cutter can be used in any direction.
It has a soft-cushion handle for added comfort and strong tungsten steel blades for precise cutting. The cutter is pressure sensitive. When you apply pressure, the cover lifts automatically.
8. Fiskars Rotary Cutter Classic Stick
One of the best cutters for beginners is the Fiskars Classic Stick. It is one of the most popular cutters on the market. It has a classic stick design, a large blade, and a safety guard. It can be used to cut fabric, paper, and more.
The cutter has a high-grade, precision-ground, stainless-steel 45 mm rotary blade. The blade snaps in and out for easy replacements. The cutter has a symmetrical design that can be used by right-handed and left-handed users.
9. Sew Easy Rotary Cutter LILAC
The Sew Easy Soft Touch cutter will stay upright when not in use. It has an auto blade guard that automatically moves out of the way when cutting and returns when done. It also has a safety lock butting that will keep the blade secured when not in use.
Included with the Sew Easy Cutter tool are 2 blades made from hardened steel. The blades will provide a super sharp cutting experience.
10. Clover Slash Rotary Fabric Cutter
Unlike other cutters, the blade of the Clover Slash Cutter does not turn while you are cutting. When the edge of the blade wears out, you can turn it in increments to get a fresh edge. With the Clover Stash Cutter, you get two channel guides. One for long straight cuts and one for shorter cuts and rounded cuts.
When using the Slash Cutter, you do not need to use a mat. Instead, the fabric slides through the channel guide under the blade. This type of rotary fabric cutter is best used for making chenille fabric.
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Rotary Cutters
Best Overall
OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter w/ Blade Cover & Squeeze Trigger
The OLFA 45 mm Cutter is simple to use. It has an easy squeeze handle and anti-slip rubber grips. The dual-action safety lock allows you to lock the blade in either the opened or closed position.
Premium Choice
Martelli Rotary Cutters
If you experience hand pain and fatigue, the Martelli Cutter was made for you. It has an ergonomic grip that is similar to a computer mouse. Holding the cutter in a natural position allows you to apply even pressure using your arm and hand.
Great Value
Mr. Pen Rotary Cutter for Fabric
The Mr. Pen Rotary Fabric Cutter is affordable and terrific for your everyday needs. The 45 mm rotary fabric cutter has an ergonomic handle that is comfortable for both right-handed and left-handed crafters.
Save time and energy on your sewing projects with a rotary cutter
Use a rotary fabric cutter when you make these sewing projects: tank top sewing pattern, Palazzo Pants Patterns, Stylish Waistcoat Patterns, Buffet Dress Patterns and a lot more on our Facebook Page.
If you enjoy sewing and hate the time and energy it takes to cut all the fabric, you need a rotary cutter. A rotary cutter will save you valuable time, and you will experience fewer hand cramps and less pain.
